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After grabbing headlines for its dominant performance in 2011, the 49ers defense is getting attention for all the wrong reasons in the first few weeks of the offseason.

According to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, Niners defensive tackle Ray McDonald was arrested around 2 a.m. today in Sunnyvale for an outstanding warrant. The warrant is connected to his arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence in June of 2010 in San Mateo County. McDonald, 27, who was initially pulled over for an apparent traffic violation, was cooperative and no other charges were filed.

He was booked at 3:45 a.m. and released at 7:05 a.m., Sgt. Jose Cardoza of the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department told The Chronicle.

McDonald’s arrest comes after rookie defensive end Aldon Smith was arrested on Jan. 28 in Miami Beach for suspicion of driving under the influence. Smith was released on $1,000 bond.

McDonald could face punishment from the NFL following his second arrest.

The team released a statement at 11 a.m.: “The 49ers are aware of the recent matter involving Ray McDonald. We are gathering the relevant facts and monitoring the developments closely.”

In his first year as a full-time starter, McDonald, signed to a five-year, $20 million contract after the lockout, had a career-high 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He had five tackles and a career-high 2.5 sacks in a 20-17 loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game.